Aaron Nelson is the first Simba since Jason Raize created the role nearly sixteen years ago to play Broadway without having previously been a member of another Lion King company.

Aaron Nelson is making his Broadway debut as a brand new member to The Lion King family. A proud Chicagoan, Aaron received his BA in Arts Management from Columbia College Chicago. His regional theater credits include columbinus 2.0 (American Theater Company), Rent (American Theater Company), and Dreamgirls (Theater 47). He made his television debut as “Kyle” in NBC’s “Chicago Fire.”

In its 16th year, The Lion King remains ascendant; it is the highest-grossing Broadway show in New York history and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 21 global productions have been seen by more than 70 million people and, cumulatively, run a staggering 104 years. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years.